Integrated Filter-Coupler Assembly for Low-Loss RF Front Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF front-end sub-systems in communication devices suffer from size and loss issues due to the combination of individual filters and directional couplers, which contribute to both system loss and implementation size.
Innovation Solution
An integrated filter-coupler module is proposed, combining filtering and directional coupler functionalities into a single structure by leveraging common components, utilizing a series inductance connected between input and output ports and a coupling element between coupled and isolation ports, with adjustable termination impedance for reduced size and loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If individual filters and directional couplers are used in conventional RF front-end sub-systems, then filtering and signal coupling functions are provided, but the overall device size and insertion loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter and directional coupler into a single integrated assembly where the filter's series inductance serves dual purposes: maintaining filter performance and replacing the dedicated main coupler line. This merging eliminates redundant components and reduces overall device size while minimizing insertion loss through shared electromagnetic pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The series inductance in the filter is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides frequency filtering characteristics and serves as the main transmission line for the directional coupler. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and device footprint while maintaining both filtering and coupling performance.
2Reliability
If individual filters and directional couplers are cascaded, then both filtering and coupling performance are maintained, but the implementation size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter and directional coupler are merged into a single integrated assembly rather than being cascaded as separate components. The series inductance of the filter forms part of the coupler's main line, creating a compact structure that maintains both filtering and coupling functions while reducing implementation size.
Solution Approach 2:
Components within the integrated assembly serve multiple functions: the series inductance provides both filter selectivity and coupler transmission, while the coupling element enables signal extraction. This multi-functionality allows the assembly to replace multiple individual components without sacrificing performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated filter-coupler module reduces overall size and insertion loss by eliminating the need for a dedicated main coupler line, while maintaining performance equivalent to individual cascaded filters and couplers.
Implementation Method 1
the series inductance and the coupling element being configured to provide at the coupled port a coupled signal responsive to receiving an input signal at the input port
Data Source
AI summary
Integrated filter and electromagnetic coupler assemblies. In certain examples, an integrated filter and electromagnetic coupler assembly includes a filter having a capacitance and a series inductance, the series inductance being connected between an input port and an output port of the integrated filter and electromagnetic coupler assembly, and combination of the capacitance and the series inductance being selected to provide the filter with a passband and a stopband. The integrated filter and electromagnetic coupler assembly further includes a coupling element positioned physically proximate the series inductance and extending between a coupled port and an isolation port of the integrated filter and electromagnetic coupler assembly, the integrated filter and electromagnetic coupler assembly being configured to provide at the coupled port a coupled signal via inductive coupling between the series inductance and the coupling element responsive to receiving an input signal at the input port.